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50 Book Challenge 2017 Part Three

993 replies

southeastdweller · 06/02/2017 08:00

Welcome to the third thread of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2017, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, it's not too late to join, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

The first thread of the year is here and the second one here.

OP posts:
CoteDAzur · 02/03/2017 20:34

I've been properly scared by a few SK books. Yes, It was one. Then there was Pet Cemetery. One of his later books, Duma Key got under my skin, too.

RemusLupinsChristmasMovie · 02/03/2017 20:42

I find Pet Sematary silly and cartoonish, rather than scary - but those sewers in It unsettled me horribly on first reading.

FortunaMajor · 02/03/2017 20:45

Pet Sematary was my first when I was about 12. I picked it because I liked animals. Hmm That went well.

I do remember that I couldn't get them out of the library using my child tickets, so my Mum used to check them out for me and got a bollocking from the library woman about it.

I never rated Carrie or Christine, but enjoyed most of the others. I think Rose Madder was just out when I decided to stop torturing myself moved on to other authors.

SatsukiKusakabe · 02/03/2017 20:54

Pet Semetary isn't frightening so much as just horrible.

Agree IT genuinely creepy. Whole feel of it.

I would forgive Stephen King a lot of flaws, because he writes like he actually cares about the reader having a good time.

Ontopofthesunset · 02/03/2017 21:08

I've only ever read one Stephen King, The Stand, which I read last year and I enjoyed as he writes a good page turner - well crafted plot (a few queries in terms of virus transmission and some weird religious stuff, but I could forgive it).

I kind of know what you mean, Remus, about The Luminaries. It was very clever and interesting but at the end I felt it added up to something less than I had hoped for - I still wasn't sure what I was supposed to think had happened. And then when you understand the structural constraints some of the long-windedness makes sense. But very ambitious and fascinating all the same.

CheerfulMuddler · 02/03/2017 21:13

I've never actually read a Stephen King novel. That's awful, isn't it? Which one would you lot recommend to start with?

Hope you like Mollie, bibliomania. I got annoyed with her sometimes, but when she's good she's very good.

CoteDAzur · 02/03/2017 21:21

I was a kid when I read Pet Sematary, so I guess not terribly hard to scare Smile

By the way, I just realised that I've never seen that book's original title (in English) before. Why is it Pet "Sematary"? Does that word mean something in the book?

Matilda2013 · 02/03/2017 21:22

I've read one Stephen King towards the end of last year 11.22.63 and thoroughly enjoyed it despite thinking I'd never finish it. Purchased It for my kindle but it's another long one and hasn't been top of my list yet. Someone recommended Needful Things too so might check that out at the library

BestIsWest · 02/03/2017 21:26

I have more King on my list to read this year, along with Terry Pritchett who also seems to be much loved although obviously v different.

Only read a handful so far, The Stand, 11.22.63, Mr Mercedes and Misery. Misery the best so far though a bit traumatic.

BestIsWest · 02/03/2017 21:27

Pratchett obv.

HappyFlappy · 02/03/2017 21:27

Why is it Pet "Sematary"?

From what I recall it is just a child's spelling of "cemetery". I think it started when children were burying their gerbils etc on cursed land full of Wendingos or something.

(Please excuse the vagueness - I read it 30 years ago and wasn't very impressed. "Christine" however, scared the drawers off me!

SatsukiKusakabe · 02/03/2017 21:29

Isn't it because the sign is made by children, so is rendered as if misspelled? Also I thought it fit the theme of things being just a little "off" from how they should be...

BestIsWest · 02/03/2017 21:29

According to google, it is a misspelling by the children in the book. I had always assumed it was an American spelling.

HappyFlappy · 02/03/2017 21:34

that's an impressive haul

It IS an impressive haul Bibliomania.

As I was -shamelessly ratching through-- carefully examining the shelves , piles and boxes full of books, the shop woman said (and I quote) "You don't HAVE to get ten, you know. You can get up to ten for £1"

Obviously I just looked at her . . . Hmm

And continued ratching . . .

If I had had a bag and another quid on me I would have bought more, but I had to carry them in my arms (I only had 3p left after paying my £1, and the bags were 5p).

Still feel victorious! Grin

SparrowandNightingale · 02/03/2017 21:41

Satsuki The story about the guy in her bed in Wishful drinking oh gosh.

So much love for Ready Player One - you are my people. I spent far too much of my youth playing D&D.

joyless Slaughterhouse V is one of my favourites but my sci-fi loving DH just couldn't get on with it. I think it is one of those books.

I haven't read anything for myself for the last week. Can't wait for the weekend to pick up where I left off.

Loved the children's book debate. I love reading children's books and YA too but then I didn't have much access to books as a kid so I have a lot of stories to catch up on.

11122aa · 02/03/2017 21:52
  1. The Breakdown by B A Paris.. I really enjoyed it and i will soon read the first book by the author which people tend to consider to have been better.
FortunaMajor · 02/03/2017 21:53

Cheerful I'd start with IT. It's easily the most terrifying, so you may as well dive in at the deep end.

If you want a gentle introduction go for Different Seasons which is 4 novellas and thrillers rather than horror.

DrDiva · 02/03/2017 21:54

I didn't have much access to books as a kid so I have a lot of stories to catch up on

Yes! Exactly!

I am saving Cote's review of The luminaries until I have read it. Smile

CoteDAzur · 02/03/2017 21:59

I'm unashamedly taking the credit for having discovered Ready Player One on Reddit and introduced it to the 50-Book crowd back in 2013. (How long have we been doing this?!?! Shock Grin)

It is one of a handful of books that Remus & both liked so you know it is a spectacularly rare gem Smile

CoteDAzur · 02/03/2017 22:01

Dr Diva - It's not much of a review (back in the day, we wrote shorter ones, I guess). Just praise, really.

11122aa · 02/03/2017 22:02

I havent read a Stephen King either. Will do soon. I'll start with It or Misery as that has been recommended above.

RMC123 · 02/03/2017 22:03

Years since I read a Stephen King. Seem to remember It, Carrie and The Tommyknockers making a big impression in my teens. I agree that Pet Sematary was horrible, in fact I think I would call it horrific!

BestIsWest · 02/03/2017 22:04

11122 you might be better off getting a recommendation from one of the King experts.

BestIsWest · 02/03/2017 22:05

Rather than mine (Misery).

SatsukiKusakabe · 02/03/2017 22:09

sparrow I know, I mean so genuinely traumatising, but she filters it all through this comic lens. It was a real gift, but I think ultimately quite damaging.

I love that - stories to catch up on Smile

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